We have the experience to be champions, says Kurz

The experience of winning last year's FFA Cup will be crucial for Adelaide United in Sunday's A-League elimination final against Melbourne City.

UpdatedUpdated 04/05/2019

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That's the view of Reds coach Marco Kurz as he attempts to end his own personal hoodoo against City.

The German has faced City six times in his two years in Adelaide but is yet to savour a win.

In three matches this season City beat the Reds at Coopers Stadium 2-0 and the two teams couldn't be separated in two clashes at AAMI Park.

Kurz however believes his team's successful Cup run at the start of the season gives them an edge in a do-or-die affair.

"We won the Cup. That means we now have the experience to be champions," Kurz said.

"That's very important and can be helpful for the finals because we had the experience to play knockout games under pressure, also in front of our fantastic fans against Sydney in the final."

Both teams head into the game without any significant injury concerns, with Adelaide boosted by the goalscoring return of Baba Diawara in the 5-3 Anzac Day win over Brisbane in the Ivorian's first appearance since round two.

City head to Adelaide on the back of a confidence-boosting 5-0 win over Central Coast which secured them fifth-place ahead of Wellington.

Socceroo Jamie Maclaren has been included in a boost for Warren Joyce's men with several players including ex-Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, Ritchie De Laet and Harrison Delbridge all coming back after being rested for the Mariners' clash.

Regardless of the result, Sunday's match will be Kurz's last at Coopers Stadium with United's board calling time on his tenure in Adelaide prior to the end of the season.

"I'm very happy we have the chance to play the elimination game in front of our fantastic fans," Kurz said.

"We will deliver again ... then after, maybe a little bit of emotion because I had a fantastic time here in Hindmarsh."